U-46 to let fewer students overload on courses

Like many high school students, Streamwood freshman Alexis Rauchfleisch isn't totally sure yet what she wants to do with her life.

Working as a baker is one possibility. So, Alexis signed up for a foods course as an elective this year.

But a career as an elementary school English teacher is also on the list, and she hoped as a sophomore to sign up for early childhood class while also taking the next level foods class. That would mean seven classes a semester instead of a usual course load of six.

"She knows she can manage the work," her mom, Lori said. "That's great. I want a child who is not going to sit back and just go through the motions of the day, but push herself, try new things."

But loading up on courses will be tougher to do next year.

Elgin Area School District U-46 high schools, now in the midst of 2010-11 registration, have been directed by district officials to firmly cap students' course loads at six classes.

That means fewer students will get to forfeit a study hall and load up on electives like food, art and fashion classes. Parents, like Lori Rauchfleisch, say this will only hurt students.

Assistant superintendent for secondary education Greg Walker called the move "an increase in accountability."

"What we've communicated is that the guidelines that we have for staffing are going to be adhered to and monitored accordingly," he added.

By registering students for six classes apiece now, Walker said, district officials will be able to get a handle on whether staff cuts are necessary.

"If we do it properly, it may have implications," he said. "We won't know until we have the tallies."

U-46 projects to be in a $53.5 million hole come June, and is currently awaiting about $19 million from the state in payments.

This fall, officials announced $4.9 million in budget cuts. More are expected this spring.

A few exceptions to the six-course limit may occur for students in academy programs or those who need an extra course to graduate, Walker said.

Several teachers have sent out e-mails to parents and students asking them to protest.

"Not only will students be dismissed the opportunity to grow vocationally and creatively, but the programs we as a staff have poured our heart and soul into growing will disappear along with the faculty," one e-mail by a Streamwood teacher Tuesday reads.

Walker said registration numbers and corresponding staffing needs should be clearer next month.